In a thrilling season opener, Florida State quarterback Tommy Castellanos proved that his summer bravado was more than mere hype. After boldly declaring that Alabama didn’t “have Nick Saban to save them,” Castellanos backed up his words with a stellar performance, leading the Seminoles to a commanding 31-17 victory against the No. 8 Crimson Tide in Tallahassee, Florida. His impressive stats included 152 yards passing and 78 yards rushing, making him a pivotal factor in this surprising upset.
While Castellanos' performance was crucial, it was Florida State coach Mike Norvell who made the game-changing decision. Holding a 24-17 lead with less than ten minutes left in the game, Norvell opted to go for it on a critical fourth-and-1 at his own 34-yard line. Running back Roydell Williams powered through, gaining four yards and keeping the drive alive. This bold move set the stage for a game-clinching touchdown run by Gavin Sawchuk, further sealing the Seminoles’ impressive win.
This victory marks a significant turnaround for Florida State, which had a dismal record of 2-10 last season after finishing 2023 with an impressive 13-1 record. The win not only boosts the Seminoles' confidence but also serves as a wake-up call for Alabama, who had not lost a season opener since 2001 against UCLA. With the Crimson Tide hoping for a better start in Kalen DeBoer’s second season, this defeat could have lasting implications.
Florida State's success in the game can be attributed to their dominance along the line of scrimmage. The Seminoles managed to hold Alabama to less than 100 yards rushing while amassing over 200 rushing yards themselves. This offensive strategy, spearheaded by offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, highlights the effectiveness of Castellanos, who has seamlessly adapted to a creative rushing offense that plays to his strengths.
For Kalen DeBoer, the challenges continue in his second year as head coach at Alabama. After a lackluster 9-4 debut season, expectations were high for improvement. However, criticisms regarding the team’s physicality and discipline resurfaced after this game. Despite the loss, DeBoer, who previously led Washington to the national title game, will have time to adjust and improve as Alabama faces a tough schedule ahead, including games against Georgia, South Carolina, LSU, and Tennessee.
Florida State's victory has far-reaching implications, not only for their own playoff aspirations but also for the ACC as a whole. As the selection committee begins to evaluate at-large bids, Florida State's impressive win against a top-tier opponent like Alabama will play a significant role in the playoff conversation. Other key matchups this weekend, such as LSU at Clemson and Notre Dame at Miami, will further shape the playoff landscape.
By the end of the first week, the SEC found itself licking its wounds, a recurring theme in recent years. While losses by No. 3 Texas to No. 1 Ohio State and No. 8 Alabama to Florida State are not embarrassing—given the quality of opponents—these defeats do raise questions about the strength of flagship SEC programs. In contrast to last year, when the SEC secured significant wins, this season's weak start could have lasting effects on conference narratives.
Looking ahead, Tommy Castellanos may not be a top NFL prospect due to his size and arm talent—standing at a modest 5 feet 11 inches and weighing 201 pounds. However, his explosive running ability and fearless playmaking style could catch the attention of scouts. Having rushed for over 1,000 yards during his time at Boston College, Castellanos is reminiscent of former Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis, who thrived in a similar system. His performance in this game could put him on the radar for NFL teams looking for dynamic playmakers.
This season opener not only showcased the potential of Florida State but also set the stage for an exciting college football season filled with unexpected turns and intense competition.
